August 10, 2026 City Council Meeting Recap
Upland City Council Meeting – August 10, 2026
Call to Order and Administrative Actions
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bill Velto. All council members were present, including Council Member Garcia, Council Member Zuniga, Council Member James Breitling, and Mayor Pro Tem Shannan Maust.
Agenda Modifications: The military banner presentation was removed from the agenda for rescheduling at a later date.
Closed Session Report: The council recessed to a closed session to discuss Item 4A regarding existing litigation. Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported that no reportable action was taken.
Invocation and Pledge: The invocation was led by Jim Thomas of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Police Chief Marcelo Blanco.
Presentations: Light Up the Night Sponsor Recognition
The Council recognized various community partners and city staff for their contributions to the "Light Up the Night" Fourth of July celebration over the past six years. Due to construction at Cable Airport, the event was adapted this year into a "Block Party on Benson."
Recognized Community Partners
Above the Crowd Productions
San Antonio Regional Hospital
Burrtec Waste Industries
Holliday Rock
Pull Up a Chair
Upland CERT
City Staff Recognition
Upland Police Department: Sergeant Eric Di Vincenzo was recognized for managing public safety and traffic challenges.
Public Works (Operations): Operations Manager Richard Smitery and Supervisor Alex Carrasco were credited for coordinating logistics, street closures, and crowd management.
Recreation and Community Services: Supervisors Megan Mead and Erica Rodriguez were thanked for their leadership in evolving the event into a beloved tradition.
Consent Calendar
The Council approved items 10A through 10N in a single motion. The motion was moved by Council Member Garcia, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Public Hearings
11A: 2026 Weed Abatement Program Special Assessment
Development Services Director Robert Dalquest and Housing Manager Diane Kado presented the final list for the 2026 weed abatement program.
Program Scope: Staff inspected over 22,000 parcels over a seven-month season to mitigate fire hazards and public nuisances.
Compliance: The city achieved 100% voluntary compliance on properties previously identified for city-led abatement.
Action: The council approved the placement of $1,390 in unpaid fees (from seven properties) onto the county property tax roles.
11B: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Bonus Program
The council considered Zoning Code Amendment No. 25-00007 to establish a bonus ADU program as required by the city's sixth-cycle housing element.
Program Specifics:
Eligibility: Lots greater than 15,000 square feet in the RS10, RS15, and RS20 zones. Approximately 1,940 lots qualify.
Incentive: Allows for one additional ADU or Junior ADU (JADU) beyond standard limits.
Restrictions: The bonus unit must be deed-restricted for 10 years and rented to lower-income households (earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income).
Standards: Maximum size of 800 square feet, one off-street parking space required, and must be located in the rear yard.
Outcome: The council introduced the ordinance and approved the program unanimously.
11C: Appeal of Quick Quack Car Wash Denial
The council heard an appeal by Quick Quack Car Wash regarding the Planning Commission’s denial of a development plan at 60 North Mountain Avenue.
Background: On January 12, 2026, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance requiring a half-mile separation between car wash facilities. The proposed site is near existing "Raceway" and "Easy" car washes.
Applicant Argument: Representative Don Shiveley argued that because the application was submitted on December 23, 2025 (prior to the ordinance's adoption), it should be reviewed under the previous regulations.
City Position: Principal Planner Josh Winter clarified that simply filing an application does not create a "vested right" under California law. The applicant was warned of the pending ordinance before filing.
Outcome: The Council voted unanimously to uphold the Planning Commission's denial. Mayor Velto noted that land use concerns regarding the over-concentration of car washes were well-documented.
Business Items: 13A – Pothole Repair Truck Purchase
Deputy Director Jessica Gordon presented a proposal to purchase a Simline Durapacher P5 all-in-one pothole repair truck from Haaker Equipment.
Operational Need: The city has 229 miles of roads with an average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 52. Staff receives over 1,000 pothole service requests annually.
Efficiency: Currently, filling one pothole requires 2–4 staff members and 20–30 minutes. The P5 truck allows for a one-man operation, freeing up staff for other maintenance tasks.
Cost and Delivery: The truck costs approximately $400,000. Delivery is expected in 8–9 months, followed by staff training.
Outcome: The council approved the purchase unanimously.
Council Communications and Adjournment
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the council members:
Council Member Garcia: Highlighted the success of National Night Out and encouraged residents to support local businesses through the "Upland Lunch Crawl."
Council Member Zuniga: Congratulated his colleagues (Garcia, Breitling, and himself) for running unopposed in the upcoming election. He also noted the passing of "Jackie," a famous bald eagle from the Big Bear area.
Council Member Breitling: Delivered a tribute to Jackie the bald eagle and thanked the Ojai Raptor Center for their medical efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Maust: Echoed congratulations to the unopposed council members, citing the stability as a sign of the city being set up for success.
Mayor Velto: Praised the Upland Police and Fire Departments for their service, noting that 70% of police service calls are for local businesses. He urged residents to drive safely and remain aware of their surroundings.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.
James Breitling
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